Avion Express Eyes Mexican AOC, Launches CEO Search

Avion Express, a leading narrow-body ACMI operator within Avia Solutions Group, has announced plans to secure an Air Operator Certificate in Mexico and begun recruiting a CEO to lead its new Mexican venture. This strategic initiative marks the company’s third Latin American AOC effort following its recent certification in Brazil, and underscores its ambition to expand into high-growth markets where demand outpaces capacity.

The decision to establish a local AOC reflects Mexico’s robust aviation landscape. In 2024, more than 45 million international tourists visited Mexico—the highest since 2019—according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). Domestic air travel also surged, with over 830,000 flights and 596 city pairs served, as reported by the Latin American & Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA). Mexican travellers took an average of 0.85 flights each in 2024, well above the regional average of 0.62, highlighting the nation’s heavy reliance on air connectivity.

Darius Kajokas, CEO of Avion Express, explained that ACMI solutions are particularly valuable in markets with pronounced seasonal swings. “As an ACMI operator, we aim to support airlines by adding capacity when it’s needed most, particularly in response to demand fluctuations and seasonality,” he said. Kajokas emphasized that Avion Express already maintains a successful long-term ACMI partnership in Mexico and sees an opportunity to deliver even greater value by basing operations locally.

To build the new enterprise, Avion Express has opened applications for the CEO position at Avion Express Mexico. The incoming executive will spearhead the certification process, assemble a local leadership team with deep market knowledge, and guide the airline’s commercial strategy once the AOC is granted. Kajokas noted that establishing the right leadership and talent pool is a critical first step toward operations.

Avion Express owns and operates a fleet of 55 Airbus A320 family aircraft, serving numerous airlines worldwide, including Eurowings, Flybondi, SunExpress and Wizz Air. Its ACMI model offers client carriers flexibility to manage seasonal demand surges and operational disruptions without committing to permanent fleet expansion. By replicating this model in Mexico, Avion Express aims to support local airlines facing capacity shortages during peak travel periods and to tap into transcontinental growth opportunities.

The Mexican ACMI venture is slated to obtain its AOC within the next 24 months, aligning with market forecasts that predict continued growth in both domestic and international travel. Local industry observers welcome the move, noting that additional ACMI capacity will help reduce seat shortages and keep fares competitive, especially on popular routes linking Mexico’s major hubs with North, Central and South America.

Avion Express’ expansion into Mexico also aligns with Avia Solutions Group’s broader strategy to extend its footprint across emerging aviation markets. By leveraging its operational expertise, established training programs and maintenance capabilities, the group aims to replicate its European success on a global scale. The Mexican AOC will become the latest addition to Avion Express’ international network, which already spans Europe, Asia and Latin America.

As the recruitment process for the CEO begins, Avion Express is engaging with aviation professionals who possess deep understanding of Mexican regulations, strong commercial acumen and a track record of building airline operations from the ground up. Candidates will play a pivotal role in crafting a local brand identity, securing regulatory approvals and forging partnerships with airports, government agencies and commercial airlines.

By combining local leadership with its proven ACMI framework, Avion Express seeks to establish a sustainable, responsive airline service in Mexico. The company’s move to obtain an AOC in one of Latin America’s fastest-growing aviation markets signals its confidence in the region’s long-term potential and its commitment to delivering scalable capacity solutions to carriers worldwide.

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